ive done some climing and rope work in the armyim sound with my knots and lashings but my overall climbing skills id say are novice at best it seems like the kinda thing id like to get into but it seems expensive do u know of any good places to cut ur teeth some in indiana or maybe some cheap indoor place were they will just let u tie a swiss seat and fuck around for a while without costing me like 50 bucks

Most indoor climbing gyms will probably NOT let you tie your own harness - for liability reasons. You will probably either have to rent one from them or buy your own (you can get a reasonable harness for about $35 to $40, like the no-frills Black Diamond Bod harness).

Most climbing gyms will charge a pretty minimal fee ($15 to $20) for using their facility.

Check out the link below for climbing gyms in Indiana.

You should go outside if u can!

l would reccomend joining ur local Alpine Club (as l reccomend to lots of people on here). l am not sure what the American equivalent is, but in Canada it is the Alpine Club of Canada, so contact them & see what their counterpart is in the US. They will provide gear, training, & outings, all for a really good price.

Otherwise, get a good practial guide to climbing, & read up. A swiss seat is a pain, u will be much more happy with a no frills sewn harness.

For a begginner, all u need to do is set up a ''top rope'' (anchor is at the top). For that u will need: a rope, harness (and partner with a harness), belay device (non-locking is FINE!, do not buy a Gri-Gri), helmit (optional but a good idea), different lengths of sling either pre sewn or tubular, & 5 locking carabimners, & shoes & chalkbag. That is it! For a few hundred bucks, that is all u will need untill that stuff wears out (about 5 years). Oh yeah & a climber is guidebook to ur area.

When u decide to begin lead climbing u will need more gear, but that is a diffferent thread.

Have fun, climb hard, & read lots!